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Resistive Products Application Note

NTC Thermistors
APPLICATIONS
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS INDUSTRIAL, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, CONSUMER
NTC temperature sensors are widely used in motor vehicles. In switching, measuring and detection systems
For example: • Process control
• Inlet air-temperature control • Heating and ventilation
• Transmission oil temperature control • Air conditioning
• Engine temperature control • Fire alarms
• Airco systems • Temperature protection in battery management/charging
• Airbag electronic systems systems
• Temperature detection of laser diode in CD players for • LCD contrast control in flat-panel displays, mobile phones
cars and camcorders
• Frost sensors • Temperature compensation of quartz oscillator frequency
• ABS in, for example, mobile phones
• BMS/ Charge plugs protection • Ink-jet printer head temperature detection
• Video and audio equipment
DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
• LED control circuits
NTC temperature sensors are in virtually all equipment in the
home where temperature plays a role. This includes
• Fridges and freezers
• Cookers and deep-fat fryers
• Washing machines and dish washers
• Central-heating systems
• Air conditioning

SELECTION CHART
TOL. LEAD
OPERATING B RESP. MAX.
ON R (± %) DOCUMENT
PRODUCT RANGE TEMP. RANGE TOL. TIME Ø Ø L
OR NUMBER
(°C) (± %) (S) (MM) (MM) (MM)
ON T (± °C)
Accuracy line
APPLICATION NOTE

NTCLE203E3 -40 to +125 (1 , 2, 3, 5) % 0.5 to 2.5 1.7 3.4 0.4 38 min. 29048
NTCLE100E3 -40 to +125 (2, 3, 5) % 0.5 to 3.0 1.2 3.8 0.6 17 min. 29049
two-point
NTCLE101E3...SB0 -40 to +125 0.5 °C 1.2 3.3 0.6 17 min. 29046
sensors
two-point
NTCLE203E3...SB0 -55 to +150 0.5 °C 1.7 4.2 0.5 41 29118
sensors
SMD versions
NTCS0603E3 -40 to +150 (1, 2, 3, 5) % 1 - - - - 29056
NTCS0402E3 -40 to +150 (1, 2, 3, 5) % 3 - - - - 29003
NTCS0805E3 -40 to +150 (1, 2, 3, 5) % 1 - - - - 29044
NTCS….E3…SMT -40 to +125 1% 1 - - - - 29151

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NTC Thermistors

SELECTION CHART
Wire bondable die
NTCC200 / NTCC300 -55 to +175 (1, 2, 3, 5) % 1 - - - - 29153
Miniature accuracy line
NTCLE300E3 -40 to +125 0.5 °C 1.2 1.2 2.4 AWG30 38 29051
NTCLE201E3 -40 to +125 0.5 °C 1.2 1.3 2.4 0.3 38 29051
NTCLE305E4 -40 to +125 0.5 °C 0.5 to 1 0.7 1.6 AWG32 41 29076
NTCLE413 / NTCLE428 -40 to +105 (1, 2, 3, 5) % 0.5 to 1.5 2.5 3 AWG30 40 29078
High temperature
NTCSMELFE3 -40 to +150 5% 1.3 0.9 1.7 - - 29119
NTCLG100E2 -40 to +300 5% 1.3 0.9 1.85 0.56 max. 25.4 min. 29050
Special long-leaded
(UL2468 PVC insulation):
NTCLS100E3 -40 to +85 3% 0.75 to 3 15 8 AWG24 400 29060
NTCLP100E3 -40 to +85 3% 0.75 to 3 10 6 AWG24 400 29060
NTCLE400E3 -40 to +85 3% 0.75 to 3 7 6 AWG24 400 29060
Ring Tongue Sensors
NTCALUG02 series -55 to +125 (1, 2) % 0.5 5 8.5 AWG32 45 29094
NTCALUG03 series -40 to +125 (2, 3) % 0.5 to 1.5 5 5.5 AWG32 70 29114
NTCALUG01 series -40 to +150 5% 0.5 7.5 7.1 AWG24 38 29092
-40 to +150
NTCALUG01T 2% 0.5 7.5 7.1 AWG264 150 29164
(long term)
Note
• A lot of application dedicated sensors NTCA (cap types, immersion types, screw types,…) are also proposed: the list is too long to be
presented here. Please refer to www.vishay.com/thermistors/ntc

RANGE SUMMARY
ACCURACY LINE
NTCLE203E3 and NTCLE100E3
The flagship of our ranges. The accuracy Line sensors offer
real value for money. They have low tolerances (as low as
± 1 % on the R25-value and ± 0.5 % on the B-value) and an
operating temperature range from -40 °C to +125 °C. In
addition, they are very stable over a long life.
SURFACE-MOUNT TEMPERATURE SENSROS
NTCS0402, NTCS0603 and NTCS0805 series
Our surface mount NTC sensors for temperature sensing
HIGH TEMPERATURE SENSORS
NTCSMELFE3 and NTCLG100E2
This range of high-quality glass-encapsulated NTC
temperature sensors are price-competitive for general use.
Not only can the leaded sensor be used at up to 300 °C, but
their glass encapsulation makes them ideal for use in
corrosive atmospheres and harsh environments. This makes
them an attractive alternative to other more expensive
sensing methods. Two types of small glass envelopes are
available: SOD 27 for sensors with leads, and SOD 80
(‘MELF’ execution) for leadless, surface-mount sensors.
APPLICATION NOTE

NTCSMELF and NTCLG are not recommended for

and compensation embody all the qualities of Vishay
automotive though.
BCcomponents NTC technology. The sensors come in a full
range of R25-values from 2 kΩ to 680 kΩ with standard
AUTOMOTIVE SENSORS
tolerances from 1 % to 5 %.
NTCLE203E3...SB0
If special stability criteria are of application, our special
series NTCS……SMT (1 R25 value per case) is highly These components are designed for all automotive
recommended. applications (especially ECT sensors). Their coating is
withstanding harsh potting conditions. These components
are compliant to the AEC-Q200 norm.

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NTC Thermistors

MINIATURE CHIP ACCURACY LINE HOW NTC TEMPERATURE SENSORS WORK

NTCLE201E3 NTC temperature sensors are made from a mixture of metal
NTCLE300E3 oxides which are subjected to a sintering process that gives
NTCLE305E4 them a negative electrical resistance versus temperature
These sensors combine the features of the accuracy line (R/T) relationship such as that shown in figure 1.
with non-insulated or insulated leads for remote sensing
applications. log R (Ω)
MSB236 - 1

SPECIAL LONG-LEADED SENSORS

NTCLS100E3
R25
NTCLP100E3
NTCLE400E3 B = 3740 K
For special applications we can supply three types of
long-leaded sensors: water-resistant sensors for use in
humid conditions, pipe sensors for use in corrosive B = 4570 K
atmospheres and epoxy-coated sensors for general use.

SURFACE TEMPERATURE SENSORS

NTCALUG01 0 - 25 0 25 50 75 100 125
NTCALUG01T T (°C)

NTCALUG02 Fig. 1 - Typical resistance as a function of temperature for an NTC

NTCALUG03 temperature sensor.
NTCALUG02 and NTCALUG03 measure surface
temperature with small gradients (difference between The relatively large negative slope means that even small
surface and NTC element temperature) due to low thermal temperature changes cause a significant change in
conductivity of the nickel wire. electrical resistance which makes the NTC sensor ideal for
NTCALUG01T is a rugged product developed to withstand accurate temperature measurement and control.
temperatures as high as 150 °C during thousands of hours The main electrical characteristics of an NTC ceramic
without any wear out sign (no insulation resistance loss). temperature sensor are expressed by three important
parameters and their tolerances (see below).

IMPORTANT NTC PARAMETERS

PARAMETER DESCRIPTION

The resistance of the sensor in Ω at the

R25
reference temperature of 25 °C

B-value A material constant, expressed in Kelvin

The temperature coefficient of resistance

α
expressed in %/K or in %/°C
APPLICATION NOTE

RESISTANCE R25 AT 25 °C (289.15 K)

The resistance at 25 °C (substantially at room temperature)
provides a convenient reference point for thermistors.
Tolerances on R25 are due mainly to variations in ceramic
material manufacture and tolerances on chip dimensions.
Through the use of highly homogeneous material
compositions and proprietary ceramic sawing techniques
allowing precise control of chip dimensions, products are
available with tolerances on R25 lower than 1 %.

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NTC Thermistors

MATERIAL CONCTANT B SENSOR TOLERANCES

B is a material constant that controls the slope of the RT The total tolerances of the NTC sensor over its operating
characteristic (see figure 1) which can, at least to a first temperature range is a combination of the tolerances on R25
approximation, be represented by the formula: and on B-value given by the formula:
 1  ΔR 25
R T = R 25 exp  B  --1- – -----------------
-  (1) ΔR 1 1
- + ΔB --- – ------------------
-------- = ------------ (5)
 T 298.15  R R 25 T 298.15
Where T is the absolute temperature of the sensor. Figure 2 is a graphical representation of this formula which
shows a minimum at 25 °C since this is the temperature at
In practice, B varies somewhat with temperature and is
which the sensor is calibrated. Above and below this
therefore defined between two temperatures 25 °C and
temperature, the tolerances increase due to the increasing
85 °C by the formula:
tolerances on B-value, giving the graph a ‘butterfly’ shape.
R 85
B 25 ⁄ 85 = ln  --------- ⁄  ------------------ – ------------------
1 1 (2)
R 25 358.15 298.15
B25/85 (expressed in K) is normally used to characterize and 10
MLC729

compare different ceramics. Tolerance on B (or B25/85) is ΔR

caused mainly by material composition tolerances and (%)
sintering conditions. The latest materials offer tolerances as 8
low as ± 0.3 % on some specific B25/85 values.
In most cases, better fitting curves than pure exponential are 6
required to measure the temperature accurately; see competitor
formula (1). That is why each NTC material curve is defined
by a 3rd order polynominal, as shown below: 4

2 3 Vishay
R T = R 25 exp [ A + B ⁄ T + C ⁄ T + D ⁄ T ] (3)
2

or inversely expressing T as a function of RT:

0
1 - 50 - 25 0 25 50 75 100 125
T = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- (4)
T (°C)
 R T  2  RT  3  RT 
A 1 + B 1 ln --------- + C 1 ln --------- + D 1 ln ---------
 R 25  R 25  R 25
Fig. 2 - Typical resistance change as a function of temperature for
The two approximations (3) and (4) represent the real material a 1 % Vishay NTC temperature sensor compared to a
curves with an error smaller than 0.1 % at any given 1 % sensor with a higher B-tolerance
temperature.
The values of the coefficients A, B, C, D, A1, B1, C1 and D1 The exceptionally low ΔB-value of the Vishay
are given in some datasheets as NTCLE100E3 and in the BCcomponents sensor compared with those of typical
R-T computation sheets, which can be downloaded competitors (see figure 2) gives a flatter ΔR/R ‘butterfly’
from the website curve which means you can get more accurate temperature
www.vishay.com/thermistors/curve-computation-list measurements using Vishay BCcomponents NTC
temperature sensors.
APPLICATION NOTE

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NTC Thermistors

TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL TIME CONSTANT AND RESPONSE

RESISTANCE TIME
The temperature coefficient of resistance α expresses the The speed of response of an NTC sensor is characterized by
sensitivity of a sensor to temperature changes. It is defined its time constant. This is the time for the sensor’s
as: temperature to change by 63.2 % (i.e. 1 to 1/e) of the total
1 ΔR change that occurs when the sensor is subjected to a very
α = ---- x -------- (6)
R ΔT rapid change in temperature.
Using formula to eliminate R this can be re-expressed as: The conditions under which the time constant is measured
α = ΔB are important. Two are normally considered:
(7)
--------
2
T • Ambient change: the component is initially in still air at
Which means that the relative tolerance on α is equal to the 25 °C. Then quickly immersed in a fluid at 85 °C. The fluid
relative tolerance on B-value. is usually silicone oil but other fluids, e.g. water for
washing machine applications, air for tumble dryers can
THERMAL STABILITY also be specified.
The stability of an NTC temperature sensor is expressed in • Power-on / power-off conditions: the component is
terms of the maximum shift in its electrical properties, R25 heated by applying electrical power in still air to an
and B-values after it has been subjected to an extended equivalent temperature of 85 °C after which electrical
period at its limit operating conditions. Figure 3, for power is removed and cool-down time is measured at
example, shows the long-term deviation of R25 and B-value 63.2 % of the temperature difference.
for a standard lacquered component from the NTCLE100E3 Figure 4 represents the typical voltage drop variation over a
series with an R25 of 10 kΩ. boiler sensor experiencing a transition from air at 25 °C to
the temperature of boiling water. The graph shows a
CCB434
0.20 response time of about 4 s when the measured voltage
Shift in corresponds to an equivalent temperature of 72.4 °C.
B25/85
(%)
CCB094
0.10 max. 4

0.05 Voltage
(V)
average T = 25 °C
0 3

- 0.05
min.
- 0.10 2
63.2 %
- 0.15

- 0.20 1
102 103 Time (h) 104
T = 100 °C
Fig. 3 - Aging characteristics (dry heat at 150 °C of a
NTCLE100E3 series NTC temperature sensor with an R25 of 10 kΩ
0
1 10 20 t (s) 30
TEMPERATURE CYCLING Fig. 4 - Typical output of a boiler sensor undergoing a sudden
APPLICATION NOTE

temperature transition from 25 °C to 100 °C

Another important criterion for assessing the performance
of an NTC sensor throughout its operational life is its
resistance to thermal cycling. To assess this, products are ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT AND
subjected to rapid temperature variations covering the HIGH-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURE
extremes over which they are expected to operate until The high accuracy of our NTC temperature sensor series is
failure is induced. principally a result of advanced development and
These tests fully demonstrate the high reliability of our high-technology manufacture.
products: our soldered types (for example NTCLE300E3
types) withstanding more than 5000 cycles, and our glass
encapsulated types (NTCLG100E2) more than
100 000 cycles without failure.

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NTC Thermistors
ADVANCED DEVELOPMEMT
Audits of our factory by major customers especially in the
automotive industry regularly award us top marks. This is
the result of strong commitment to development and heavy
investment in personnel and equipment. Only by such
commitment have we been able to develop new and better
materials with B-value tolerances as low as 0.3 %.
HIGH-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURE
Our most significant improvement in NTC temperature
sensor manufacture has come through the use of precision
sawing. This gives much better control over repetitive
R25-value than the earlier pressing or tape casting
techniques and has allowed us to achieve R25 tolerances
lower than 1 %. After manufacture, we electrically test every
one of our NTC temperature sensors at reference or other
temperatures.
COMPONENT QUALITY, OUR GUARANTEE OF
EXCELLENCE
As you expect from a world-class electronic components
manufacturer, quality is an integral part of our company’s
make-up. It is reflected in our ISO-TS 16949 approved
organizations, all of which operate according to the
principles of TQM (Total Quality Management). It is reflected
too in the way we act, think and do business. Quality, in fact,
is the essence of what we have to offer:
not just in our products but in our customer service and
customer relations as well.
Our Quality Assurance system is based on the following
principles:
• Total quality management involving careful design and
thorough investigation of conformance and reliability
before release of new products and processes.
• Careful control of purchased materials and manufacturing
process steps. This is mainly achieved by strict
implementation of Statistical Process Control (SPC) to
detect and eliminate adverse manufacturing trends before
they become significant.
• Electrical inspection of significant characteristics with a
target of zero defects in our delivered sensors.
• Statistical inspection of outgoing batches and periodic
reliability checks aimed at collecting trend information,
which is steered towards Quality improvement.
• Quality assurance at Vishay BCcomponents goes further,
however. Batch tests under extreme climatic conditions
are designed to test our sensors to destruction. Results
clearly indicate that Vishay BCcomponents NTC sensors
provide reliable performance over a long lifetime. A fact
that has been verified by ppm figures obtained from many
years of close cooperation with major customers in all
sectors of industry. Proving conclusively that Vishay
BCcomponents NTC temperature sensors offer
unsurpassed levels of quality and reliability in the field.
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Application Note
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SELECTING AN NTC TEMPERATURE SENSOR
STEP 1
Decide on the sensor series you need from the “Selection
Chart”
Your choice depends on the operating temperature range
and other criteria such as:
• Accuracy
• Product size
• Required mechanical execution i.e. naked chip, SMD,
epoxy coated, molded, surface sensor or glass sealed
• Lead length and diameter.
STEP 2
Decide on the value of R25 you need. Refer to the
R/T characteristics of the sensor series you chose in Step 1.
In these characteristic curves, each sensor in the series is
distinguished by its R25-value. Choose an R25-value to give
a resistance at your average temperature of operation of
between 1 kΩ and 100 kΩ or the value that best fits your
electronic measuring circuit voltage and current range.
STEP 3
Determine the tolerance on R25. Generally, you will know the
accuracy of ΔT at which the temperature should be
measured in your application. The relative tolerance (ΔR/R)
on sensor resistance is then: ΔR/R = α x ΔT in which ‘α‘ is
the temperature coefficient of resistance; see section
“Temperature Coefficient of Resistance”. To calculate the
relative tolerance on R25 (ΔR25/R25), simply subtract from
ΔR/R the ΔR tolerance due to B-value.
STEP 4
Using the R/T tables of the respective datasheets, select the
sensor from the series meeting your requirements on
 ΔR 25 calculated in step 3.
------------
-
 R 25 
Use the RT computation files, which can be downloaded
from the website for most of the NTC thermistors (leaded or
SMD) at
APPLICATION NOTE
www.vishay.com/thermistors/curve-computation-list
STEP 5
For other important requirements such as response time
and length of component, refer to the “Selection Chart”.
Although the standard range gives the narrowest tolerances
at 25 °C , we can on request, adapt our manufacturing
processes to provide products with the narrowest tolerance
at any temperature of your choice. Please pass your request
through your local Vishay sales organization.

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NTC Thermistors
EXAMPLES ON HOW TO SELECT
EXAMPLE 1
A leaded NTC sensor is required for sensing temperatures in
refrigerator and freezer compartments with a temperature
accuracy of 0.5 °C over the whole temperature range of
-25 °C to +10 °C. Over this temperature range, the circuit
design requires that the resistance should be maintained
between 2 kΩ and 30 kΩ .
STEP 1
Choose the execution. Since temperature has to be
measured with high accuracy, small diameter nickel leads
are recommended. Their low heat conductivity effectively
isolates the component from the outside world, enabling it
to accurately monitor the temperature of the freezing
compartments. From the “Selection Chart” it can be seen
that NTCLE203E3 series components are the most suitable
choice.
STEP 2
Refer to the NTCLE203E3 series datasheet specifications.
The component meeting the requirement that the resistance
should be maintained between 2 kΩ to 30 kΩ is a
NTCLE203E3202xB0 type (x indicating the tolerance).
STEP 3
Calculate the required tolerance on R25. Knowing that
ΔT = ± 0.5 K and taking values for α at -25 °C and 10 °C from
the NTCLE203E3 specifications:
ΔR
-------- = 5.42 x 0.5 = 2.71 % at -25 °C
R
ΔR
-------- = 4.26 x 0.5 = 2.13 % at 10 °C
R
To calculate the relative tolerance on R25 (ΔR25/R25), simply
subtract from ΔR/R, the ΔR tolerance due to B-value at
these two temperatures obtained from this datasheet.
ΔR 25
------------- = 2.71 % - 1.19 % = 1.52 % at 25 °C
R 25
ΔR 25
------------- = 2.13 % - 0.31 % = 1.82 % at +10 °C
R 25
Take the minimum which gives an R25 tolerance of 1 %. The
selected component is therefore NTCLE203E3202FB0.
STEP 4
Not applicable.
STEP 5
Suppose now that the required ΔR25/R25 had been less than
1 %. Though no standard product meets that requirement,
it's nevertheless possible to specify custom products with a
different reference point, e.g. 0 °C instead of 25 °C that meet
narrower tolerance specifications.
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Application Note
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EXAMPLE 2
Designing a fast-charging circuit for nickel hydride cells.
During fast charging, the rate of temperature rise of the cells
must be monitored. If this reaches 1 K/min with a tolerance
of ± 10 %, the circuit must switch from fast charging to
trickle charge. Ambient temperature must be between
10 °C to 45 °C to allow fast charging and the backup cut-off
temperature (above which charging is completely switched
off) is fixed at 60 °C. Temperatures are expected to be
measured with an accuracy of ± 2 °C.
STEP 1
Surface-mount products can be used for this application.
Since SMDs for relatively low temperatures are needed,
refer to the NTCS series rather than NTCSMELF series.
STEP 2
Choose the R25 of the component. From the R/T
specifications of the NTCS series, it can be seen that a type
with an R25 = 100 kΩ is suitable i.e. NTCS0603E3104xXT.
STEP 3
It is possible to choose R25 tolerance from 1 % to 5 %.
Looking in the R-T computation curve for NTCS0603
100 kΩ, we have an accuracy at 60 °C of 1.73 °C for a
R25 tolerance of ± 5 %, an accuracy of 1.19 °C for a
R25 tolerance of ± 3 %. We choose thus a R25 tolerance of
± 5 %.
STEP 4
The optimal sized sensor with good accuracy to choose is
therefore the NTCS0603E3104JXT.
STEP 5
Verify now that the selected component fulfils the
requirement with regard to rate of temperature rise (ΔT/Δt),
from section “Temperature Coefficient of Resistance” :
ΔR = αR ΔT -------
--------
Δt Δt
So to assure a maximum rate of temperature rise of 1 K/min
we get (taking the α and R -values at 60 °C from the
specifications):
ΔR = 3.70 x 23 820 = - 881 Ω/min
-------- -----------
ΔT 100
This is verified by measuring the rate of change of voltage
(dV/dt) across the sensor at constant current I. The rate of
APPLICATION NOTE
change of resistance ΔR/Δt can then be determined
(= 1/I ΔV/Δt).
At the same temperature, an NTC sensor with R and
B-values at the extremes set by the sensor tolerances will
have:
A resistance of 23 820 x (1 - 6.40/100) = 22 296 Ω
an α of - 3.70 x (1 - 1/100) = -3.66 % K
(tolerance on α = tolerance on B25/85).
So the same ΔR/Δt, i.e. - 881 Ω/min in this extreme
component will limit the maximum rate of temperature rise
ΔT/Δt to 881 x 100/3.66 x 1/22 296 = 1.082 K/min which still
falls within the tolerance of ± 10 % allowed on the rate of
temperature rise (1 K/min + 10 % = 1.1 K/min).
 Application Note
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NTC Thermistors

APPLICATION GROUPING
Applications of Vishay’s NTCs may be classified into two
main groups depending on their physical properties:
1. Temperature sensors: Applications in which the sensitive
V
change of the resistance versus the temperature is used,
shown in the formula:
-
R = f(T)
CCB529
This group is split into two subsections:
Fig. 8 - Temperature measurement with a bridge incorporating an
a) The temperature of the NTC thermistor is determined NTC thermistor and a relay or a static switching device
only by the temperature of the ambient medium.
b) The temperature of the NTC thermistor is also
determined by the power dissipation in the NTC
thermistor itself.
V
2. Time delay thermistors: Applications in which the time
dependence is decisive, when the temperature is
considered as a parameter and is written:
R = f(t)
This group comprises all applications which make use of
the thermal inertia of NTC thermistors. -
The classifications mentioned are supported by practical
examples in figure 5 to 17.
CCB530

EXAMPLES Fig. 9 - Liquid level control

V °C

- °C

CCB526

Fig. 5 - Temperature measurement in industrial and medical

thermometers
Heater
°C T1 T0
bimetal Flow NTC NTC
V mA-meter direction
-

CCB527
APPLICATION NOTE

CCB531
Fig. 6 - Car cooling water temperature measurement with bimetal

Fig. 10 - Flow measurement of liquids and gases.

The temperature difference between T1 and T0 is a measure for the
- velocity of the fluid or gas.

V
differential
°C
mA-meter

CCB528

Fig. 7 - Car cooling water temperature measurement with

differential mA-meter

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+V

RP COMP 2
+V -q
B
-q AND GATE
-
VO
+ RS COMP 1 VO

-V CCB532 A

SAWTOOTH CLOCK PULSE

GENERATOR GENERATOR
Fig. 11 - Temperature sensing bridge with op-amp which acts as -V
CCB535
differential amplifier. The sensitivity can be very high.

Fig. 14 - Temperature sensing bridge with 0 °C offset and ADC. Due

to RP and RS the voltage at A varies linearly with the NTC thermistor
temperature. The voltage at B is equal to that at A when the NTC
thermistor temperature is 0 °C. Both voltages are fed to the
+V comparator circuit. See also figure 15

-
VO
+
SAWTOOTH
-q TEMPERATURE
-V CCB533
0 °C REF.

VO COMP 1
Fig. 12 - Basic temperature sensing configuration. The op-amp acts
as a Schmitt-trigger. The transfer characteristic is shown
in figure 13
VO COMP 2
CCB534

VO

AND GATE
OUTPUT PULSES
CCB536 APPLICATION NOTE

Fig. 15 - Pulses occurring at various points in the circuit shown in

Fig. 14
t

Fig. 13 - Transfer characteristic of the circuit shown in figure 12

Revision: 18-Jul-17 9 Document Number: 29053

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 Application Note
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Vishay BCcomponents

NTC Thermistors

+V HEAT DETECTION IN FIRE ALARMS

R3 R10
Relay TR1
R1
- Dq R9
R5 D4 alarm
NTC2
(exposed)
DC TR2
supply R6 D1
TR4
-q 12 V to 28 V D2 R4
TR3
Z2 TH1 Z3 Z4
- Dq
-V R7 NTC1
CCB537 Z1
(insulated) R8 R2 C1 C2
Fig. 16 - Simple thermostat R11
MBD945

-V Fig. 19 - Circuit diagram of a typical heat detector using a matched

pair of NTC thermistors.

FAST CHARGING CONTROL WITH NTC

~
-q
+V
CCB538
Fig. 17 - Temperature compensation in transistor circuits. Push-pull
compensation.
NTC TEMPERATURE SENSORS USED AS A
THERMAL SWITCH
A common use of an NTC temperature sensor is in one of
the bridge arms of a thermal switch circuit using an
operational amplifier such as the μA 741. Figure 18 shows a
typical thermal switch circuit for a refrigerator thermostat.
The circuit consists of a 10 VDC zener diode stabilized power
supply, a wheatstone bridge (containing the NTC
temperature sensor) and an integrated comparator circuit
controlling a triac. The circuit is designed to switch a
maximum load current of 2 A off at -5 °C and on at +5 °C.
C11.5 μF (40 V)
R5
TEMPERATURE SENSING
Figure 20 shows the circuit diagram of an intelligent charged
designed to charge, within 1 h, a NiCd or NiMH.
An NTC thermistor, together with fixed resistors RT1 and
RT2, is used in a voltage divider between VCC and the current
sense resistor input VSNS of the IC. At the beginning of a new
charge cycle, the IC checks if the voltage
VTEMP = VTS - VSNS is within the limits designed by the IC
manufacturer (low temperature: 0.4 VCC and high
temperature: 0.1 VCC + 0.75 VTCO). VTCO is a cut of threshold
defined by external resistors (not represented in figure 1): If
after starting the fast charge phase, VTEMP becomes lower
than VTCO, then the return to trickle mode is operated.
During the fast charge period, the IC samples the voltage
VTEMP and the return to trickle mode can also be operated
when the variation in time of VTEMP is going over a threshold.
This is called the ΔT/Δt termination: each 34 s, VTEMP has
fallen by 16 mV ± 4 mV compared to the value measured two
samples earlier, then the fast charge is terminated.
For further information refer to Application Note
“Fast Charging Control with NTC Temperature Sensing”
(www.vishay.com/doc?29089)
APPLICATION NOTE

R4 1 MΩ VCC
100 Ω F1 PACK +
2A
R1 R3 VTCO RT2
-q 10 120
kΩ kΩ green
Z1 Cb μA 741 Rg
50 μF Triac
10 V (16 V) 680 Ω BT136- Vm
400 500D 230 V TS
RP Rh N
mW BQ2005
R6 R2
(1) U
T
182 kΩ LOAD
D1 10 kΩ RT1 C
1N4148 Rd Cd

390 Ω 30 nF (400 V)
MBD944 SNS PACK -
Fig. 18 - Refrigerator thermostat using an NTC temperature sensor. Fig. 20 - BQ2005

Revision: 18-Jul-17 10 Document Number: 29053

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THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
 Application Note
www.vishay.com
Vishay BCcomponents

NTC Thermistors

GLOSSARY OF TERMS HOW TO MEASURE NTC THERMISTORS

RESISTANCE
Also called nominal resistance. Formerly specified at only
one temperature, or sometimes at two or maximum three.
Now new technologies allow the specification of resistance
values on all applicable temperature ranges for several
types.
TOLERANCE ON RESISTANCE
The limits of the values that the resistance can take at the
reference temperature.
B-VALUE
The B-value (expressed in K) may be calculated using the
following formula:
ln ( R 1 ⁄ R 2 )
--------------------------------
- • Use a thermostatic liquid bath with an accuracy and
1 ⁄ T1 – 1 ⁄ T2
where R1 and R2 are the nominal values of resistance at T1
and T2 respectively (T expressed in K).
TOLERANCE ON B-VALUE
The limits of the value that B can take due to process and
material variations.
R-TOLERANCE DUE TO B-DEVIATION
Due to the tolerance on the B-value, the limits of the value
that R can take at a certain temperature increase with the
difference of that temperature to the reference temperature.
TOLERANCE ON R AT A TEMPERATURE DIFFERENT TO TREF
The sum of the tolerances on resistance and tolerance due
to B-deviation.
α-VALUE OR TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT
Variation of resistance (in %/K) for small variations of
temperature (1 °C or 1 K) around a defined temperature.
The published RT-values are measured at the
temperature T.
The published B-value at 25 °C is the result of the
measurement at 25 °C and that at 85 °C. Hence, these
values should be used when checking.
The following general precautions have to be taken when
measuring NTC thermistors:
• Never measure thermistors in air; this is quite inaccurate
and can give deviations of more than 1 K. For
measurements at room temperature or below, use low
viscosity silicone oil, purified naphta or some other
non-conductive and non-aggressive fluid. For higher
temperatures use oil, preferably silicon oil.
repeatability of better than 0.1 °C. Even if the fluid is well
stirred, there is still a temperature gradient in the fluid.
Measure the temperature as close as possible to the NTC.
• After placing the NTC in the thermostatic bath, wait until
temperature equilibrium between the NTC and the fluid is
obtained. For some types this may take more than 1 min.
Make sure that the NTC sensor is at an adequate depth
below the fluid level, as ambient temperature can be
conducted though wires or clamps to the sensing
element.
• Keep the measuring power as low as possible, otherwise
the NTC will be heated by the measuring current.
Miniature NTC thermistors are especially sensitive in this
respect. Measuring power of less than 5 % of the
dissipation factor in the used medium is recommended,
which gives self-heating of less than 0.05 °C.

MAXIMUM POWER DISSIPATION AND ZERO POWER

Maximum power which could be applied without any risk of
failure. The maximum dissipation of an NTC thermistor is
derated in function of ambient temperature. At low
temperatures a certain dissipation can generate high
APPLICATION NOTE

voltages across the sensor which are not allowed.

Zero-power is practically limited to less than 1 % of
maximum specified power dissipation only for low
self-heating by measuring current.

DISSIPATION FACTOR
Due to electrical power dissipated in the NTC thermistor, its
average body temperature will rise. The dissipation factor
equals the electrical power that is needed to raise the
average body temperature of the NTC with 1 K. It is
expressed in mW/K. The smaller the dissipation factor, the
more sensitive the NTC thermistor is for self-heating by
current injection.

Revision: 18-Jul-17 11 Document Number: 29053

For technical questions, contact: nlr@vishay.com
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000